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From LIFE Archives |
Wounded
Tunnel vision
created a monster
of intolerant self-absorption,
so I hitched a ride
upon parallel track
heading the opposite direction
fleeing, hating, blaming
never pausing to witness
my own trail of destruction.
by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, March 16, 2012
Ooh, you're trying to make me THINK here, Margaret. So...the last two lines really change the perspective of the speaker, not just "oops" but "uh-oh" in the best possible interpretation of "uh-oh".
ReplyDeleteI like it.
K
What a wonderful image you found for this post - interesting perspectives suggested there.
ReplyDeleteYour words focus on individual perspective and how our own range of vision may be obscured by our selfish needs.
Margaret- I think the key here is heading the opposite direction... and the final line says it all. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, it doesn't sound to me like either track leads to a good place. Have to find yet a third!
ReplyDeleteThank you, everyone! Yes, Mary - that is exactly what I was trying to convey. :)
ReplyDeleteThat first stanza really speaks to me!
ReplyDeleteI like the way you say so much with so little.
ReplyDeleteAn excellent take on the prompt and on an amazing image--the tunnel almost looks as if it's drawing aside the folds of a theater curtain, putting your reflections on the larger stage, the personality described in the first stanza no longer the center.
ReplyDeleteTo me this is teen rebellion...whatever the cause of the hurt a teen will run in the opposite direction of adult suggestion...hell bent and self centered.
ReplyDeleteOhhhh Snap!!!!! Damn, that was as good as you could explain that situation in a poem. I even said ouch out loud at the end....both times I read it. Really good.
ReplyDeleteUltimate ending... loneliness. Such strong words throughout building a powerful poem. I like how you've broken it up, also.
ReplyDeleteThank you, everyone. This has been fun to NOT explain what I meant and see what others see in it.
ReplyDeletehedgewitch - I agree with you - that was my first thought - maybe I should have written it in somehow.
Hannah - yes, anger often does leave one lonely.
i like the concept of tunnel vision
ReplyDeleteanything but
Rebellion, can sometimes have good or bad consequences too, eh?
ReplyDeleteNicely done form of perspective.
ooh, you're writing my story again, Margaret - I love this take on the Laurie's perspective prompt, with the final couplet giving one pause...
ReplyDeleteYup, been there, done that, got run over by the train.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you are back!
yeah, all too real...and we def dont see all the damage we leave in our wake at times...
ReplyDeletewelcome back ma'am
those last two lines really strike me. how many don't consider what they leave in their wake? far too many i think.
ReplyDeleteDear Margaret--this is wonderful--having just spent time with mother, I become so conscious of all the things I didn't want to be or do (though I also know she is a wonderful person), and then lose sight of all of my own (many) foibles and obsessions. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteK.
Dear Margaret--this is wonderful--having just spent time with mother, I become so conscious of all the things I didn't want to be or do (though I also know she is a wonderful person), and then lose sight of all of my own (many) foibles and obsessions. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteK.